The bye weeks are back, as we have four teams with the upcoming week off (Denver, Detroit, Jacksonville, and San Francisco). I did my best to sift through the snaps and stats to find some potential waiver wire options for your IDP leagues. Please keep in mind there are many fun ways to play this IDP game we love, and if you ever have any league-specific questions, feel free to reach out. Alright, let's get to it.
Linebackers
Blake Cashman, Houston Texans
Week 8 Stats: 5 tackles (4 solos), 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit
The Houston linebacker unit was a situation of interest as they were coming out of their Week 7 bye. The main intrigue surrounding the group concerned the unit's snap share distribution. Here's how it all shook out: Blake Cashman 61 snaps (91%), Henry To'oto'o 33 snaps (49%), Denzel Perryman 32 snaps (48%), and Christian Harris 11 snaps (16%). As you can see, Cashman was the only one to receive a full-time role in Week 8.
Over his last three games, Cashman carries a rock-solid 95.7% snap share. He's also been productive for both NFL purposes and us IDP gamers alike. Right now, Cashman appears to be the only Texan linebacker to trust. However, this is still a situation to monitor, as things can change quickly. If Cashman is still sitting on the waiver wire in shallower leagues due to the uncertainty with the Houston linebacker group, scoop him up.
Jack Sanborn, Chicago Bears
Week 8 Stats: 8 tackles (7 solos)
In unfortunate injury news, Tremaine Edmunds suffered a knee injury during the second half of Chicago's Week 8 game against the Chargers. The injury looked bad, but Edmunds is said to have dodged a season-ending knee injury. We are currently awaiting more news on his potential timetable, as there is a chance he will miss time.
With Edmunds out, Jack Sanborn picked up some extra reps. Sanborn is typically the third wheel of the Chicago linebacker trio, carrying just a 39% snap share on the season. Sanborn played 32 snaps (46%) Sunday night, producing a solid eight-tackle outing. If Edmunds is forced to miss any time, Sanborn is his likely replacement. We saw Sanborn be productive for us last year when given ample playing time, making him a prime waiver wire target if he is tasked with filling in for Edmunds.
Jahlani Tavai, New England Patriots
Week 8 Stats: 7 tackles (3 solos), 1 pass defended
In yet more unfortunate news, Ja'Whaun Bentley suffered a hamstring injury in Week 8 and was unable to return to the game. With Bentley out, Jahlani Tavai saw a boost in his workload, playing a season-high 72 defensive snaps (94%). Tavai had typically hovered around the 60-70% snap share range this season.
If Bentley is forced to miss time, Tavai looks to be the prime beneficiary for us IDP gamers. Tavai's potential full-time workload makes him a target off the waiver wire if you're looking for linebacker help. Just make sure to monitor Bentley's participation throughout the week.
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